BREAK LOOSE ON THE GOLD COAST

With its kilometres of groomed beaches, vibrant shopping and dining precincts, and literally hundreds of activities on offer, the Gold Coast and Hinterland in Queensland has been a favourite playground for generations of Australians.

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Millions of dollars of development and new attractions on the way ensures the region is forever reinventing itself, and if you haven’t been there for a couple of years, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

Getting there is easier than ever, with budget carriers Virgin Blue and Jetstar making good use of the airport at Coolangatta, while Brisbane now offers a speedy rail transfer directly from the airport.

There’s much more to the Gold Coast than its famous beaches. A strong program of events includes the Indy races, horse racing carnivals, food and wine festivals, Blues on Broadbeach and Spring in the Mountains.

A cheerful way of exploring the Gold Coast in style is on an open-top Double Deck bus. Family rates apply and there are 16 stops where you can hop on and off, including Gold Coast icons such as Sea World, Surfers Paradise and Cavill Avenue, Pacific Fair, Marina Mirage, Hard Rock Cafe, Infinity, The Wax Museum, Ripleys Believe It or Not and Jupiters Casino. There is full commentary on the history of the Gold Coast and the larger-than-life characters that turned it into such a premier holiday destination.

The ticket is valid for the day of purchase and the following day, and you can choose to combine the ticket with a one hour or two hour Gold Coast canal cruise past the homes of rich and famous Queenslanders who could never be accused of being shy and retiring!

For families, no trip to the Gold Coast is complete without at least one visit to a theme park – anything less might spark a mutiny. Wet ’n Wild Water World, which is located adjacent to Warner Bros Movie World, is open daily from 10am, but several attractions are closed this winter due to a $20 million redevelopment program.

A discounted three-ticket pass for Wet ’n Wild Water World, Warner Bros Movie World and Sea World is available for Internet purchase on any of the parks’ websites. Warner Bros Movie World and Sea World are also continually refreshing their rides and attractions, so a full day should be set aside for each park to make the most of the occasion.

Dreamworld continues to draw the crowds to its rides, Tiger Island and, of course, the popular Big Brother House where the hit TV reality show is made.

Under construction is a complete themed area devoted to those heroes of the littlies, The Wiggles. Nick Central is a whole program of entertainment for kids, for which they can plan their day using an interactive feature on www.dreamworld.com.au
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island gives visitors a rare opportunity to observe and enjoy these magnificent beasts close up as they play and wrestle with their handlers. They’re not performing animals and the highest conservation values surround their presence at the park. For an additional charge, you can have the once in a lifetime chance to be photographed patting a tiger in a behind-the-scenes enclosure.

The Gold Coast is by no means all glitz and glamour. There are magnificent rainforests and quiet vineyards within minutes of Surfers Paradise, while a range of bushwalking trails take you into emerald forests, past waterfalls and over suspension bridges. It’s a complete break from the bustle of the coast.